Hemochromatosis
What are the symptoms of hemochromatosis?
Mild to moderate iron overload may present with no symptoms or only fatigue. As iron accumulates in organs, associated symptoms can develop. Liver involvement may manifest as fatigue, swelling, or jaundice. Cardiac effects can include shortness of breath and swelling in the extremities such as the hands and feet. Endocrine (hormone) dysfunction may lead to fainting, diabetes, decreased libido, or reduced appetite. Notably, early organ damage is often reversible with treatment.
How do I treat hemochromatosis?
Treatment of hemochromatosis usually includes reducing iron intake and removing excess iron from the body.
People with hemochromatosis reduce iron intake by avoiding iron-rich foods, as well as multivitamins with iron or iron supplements.
Removal of blood, called phlebotomy, is the main way to decrease iron levels and prevent iron accumulation. Phlebotomies for treatment purposes are performed under the supervision of a prescribing health practitioner at medical facilities.
Can a person with hemochromatosis donate blood?
Often, hemochromatosis is identified before vital organ function is affected. Those with preserved organ function and hemochromatosis are eligible to donate, provided they meet all the other donation criteria.
Donor eligibility screening helps ensure that donating blood will not harm the donor, nor impact the safety of the blood product. People with complications of organ dysfunction are not eligible to donate. However, many people have improvement of organ function after regular phlebotomies, so those who have recovery of their organ function can subsequently become eligible to donate blood.
How frequently can people with hemochromatosis donate blood?
All whole blood donors, including those with hemochromatosis, can donate blood every 56 days if they are registered as male and every 84 days if they are registered as female.
Individuals may have phlebotomies (removal of blood) in between donations, provided there is at least a 1-week gap between an outpatient phlebotomy and their next Canadian Blood Services donation.
Related FAQs
Does hemochromatosis go away?
Hereditary hemochromatosis is a lifelong genetic condition characterized by the body's increased absorption and storage of iron. While the underlying genetic predisposition does not change, the resulting iron overload is treatable and manageable through regular blood removal, including blood donation. Consistent blood removal allows individuals with hereditary hemochromatosis to maintain normal iron levels and live a healthy life.
Can I get hemochromatosis later in life?
Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic condition present from birth, although iron accumulation to symptomatic levels typically occurs over decades.
Iron overload may also develop from repeated blood transfusions or other medical conditions.
Are there other ways to get iron overload besides hereditary hemochromatosis?
Yes. Iron overload can also result from receiving multiple red blood cell transfusions, a necessary treatment for conditions such as sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and myelodysplasia.
Which foods should I eat if I have hemochromatosis?
Individuals with hemochromatosis should avoid iron-containing multivitamins and iron supplements. Moderating the intake of iron-rich foods and maintaining dietary consistency during therapy is advisable to prevent significant fluctuations in iron levels. Due to an increased susceptibility to certain bacterial infections, consumption of raw shellfish should be avoided. Given the gradual nature of dietary iron accumulation, individuals undergoing regular phlebotomy (blood removal) can generally maintain a relatively unrestricted diet.